How Long Does a DOT Physical Take?

In this blog post, you’ll learn the answer to the question, “How long does a DOT physical take?” If you need help staying compliant, contact FMCA Filings for help with things like registering for a US DOT number, filing your MCS-150 biennial update, completing UCR registration, filing BOC-3 paperwork, and handling state permit requirements.

Why Does the DOT Require Physicals?

The Department of Transportation requires physicals because commercial driving places serious demands on a driver’s body and attention. A loaded commercial truck can weigh tens of thousands of pounds, so even a minor medical issue behind the wheel can pose serious risks to the driver, other motorists, pedestrians, and roadside workers.

Commercial drivers also perform physical tasks outside the driver’s seat. Many drivers climb in and out of trucks throughout the day, inspect equipment, secure cargo, connect trailers, and may load or unload freight. Medical issues that affect balance, strength, coordination, breathing, or consciousness can make those tasks dangerous.

DOT physicals give a certified medical examiner the chance to identify health concerns that could interfere with safe driving or required job duties before they create serious risks on the road.

What Happens During a DOT Physical?

If you already have your commercial driver’s license (CDL), you had to pass a DOT physical before you received or kept your license. If this is your first time taking the exam or you’re renewing your medical card, it helps to know what the appointment includes before you arrive. Failing a DOT physical exam means you won’t receive your Medical Examiner’s Certificate until you address the health issue that prevented approval.

The following sections describe the various things that happen during a DOT physical exam.

Medical History Review

A certified medical examiner starts by reviewing your health history. You’ll answer questions about past surgeries, current conditions, medications, allergies, sleep issues, heart problems, diabetes, and other health concerns that could affect your ability to drive safely.

Vision and Hearing Test

The examiner checks your vision and hearing to ensure you can see road hazards, read signs, notice traffic changes, and hear warning sounds. If you wear glasses, contacts, or hearing aids, bring them to the appointment so the examiner can test you with the equipment you use while driving.

Blood Pressure Check

A blood pressure check helps the examiner look for high blood pressure or other health concerns that could affect safe driving. High readings don’t always mean you fail, but the examiner may issue a shorter medical card or ask for follow-up documentation.

General Physical Exam

This part of the DOT physical feels similar to the physical exam you may have had before playing sports as a kid or the yearly checkup you’re supposed to get from your doctor. The certified medical examiner checks your heart, lungs, reflexes, coordination, muscle strength, and mobility to make sure your body can handle the physical demands of commercial driving.

Urine-Based Drug Testing

Urine-based drug testing helps the DOT make sure commercial drivers don’t operate large vehicles while using controlled substances that could affect judgment, reaction time, or coordination.

DOT drug testing checks for the following substances:

• Marijuana
• Cocaine
• Opiates
• PCP
• Amphetamines and methamphetamines

A DOT physical technically doesn’t have to include a drug test for illicit substances. The examiner issues a urine analysis during a normal DOT physical and doesn't technically include a drug screening. However, even though DOT drug testing is a separate process, many employers often schedule both at the same time, especially for new drivers completing pre-employment requirements.

How Long Does a DOT Physical Exam Take?

A DOT physical exam usually takes about as long as any other physical you’ve had before, such as a sports physical or yearly checkup. Most appointments take about 30 minutes, but the exact time depends on your medical history and how much you prepare before arriving for your checkup.

Keep Your Trucking Compliance on Track With FMCA Filings

In this blog post, you learned the answer to the question, “How long does a DOT physical take?” If you still have questions or need help keeping your trucking company compliant, contact FMCA Filings to speak with one of our professional agents.

If you fail the exam, you won’t receive your Medical Examiner’s Certificate until you address the issue and meet the required standards. Make sure you check out our other blog post about preparing for a DOT physical to learn what to bring, what to expect, and how to avoid delays before your appointment.